A Valentine’s Date in the Wissahickon
Valentine’s Day is this Saturday and Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is here to help you pop the big question: will you take a hike in the Wissahickon with me?
Bring a buddy, grab a friend, or take your Valentine to your pick of the park’s many scenic vistas listed below.
Lover’s Leap, right under Henry Avenue Bridge, is a rocky outcropping with stunning views over Lincoln Drive. This is the perfect place to sit and meditate or just watch the traffic inch by far below. You can access this quintessential Wissahickon viewshed by way of the Yellow Trail. Make sure to stop by the Hermitage Mansion and the nearby Kelpius Cave on your way in or out.
East Falls Trail, a lesser-know trail between the southeast corner of Ridge Avenue and Lincoln Drive, is the perfect place to enjoy a walk with your Valentine while the sun sets over the Creek. With easy access from the Wissahickon Transportation Center, take this trail for unmatched views of the Henry Avenue Bridge and ridge above the western bank of the Wissahickon.
Andorra Meadow, even at this time of year, is a scene right off the silver screen. Take your time around each loop so you and your buddy can choose the perfect bench to sit and watch the meadow’s droves of dried goldenrod sway and swirl in the wind.
Fingerspan Bridge is always better with a buddy. Lend a hand to your Wissahickon date on this rocky stretch of the Orange Trail to access the iconic work of public art by Jody Pinto. The wrought iron bridge is a viewshed on its own, but at an elevation of 100 feet above sea level, it also provides stunning views of the Creek, especially among the barren winter trees. Take the first connector trail on your left southbound on the Orange Trail to check out Climber’s Rock.
Forbidden Drive & Kitchens Lane is situated at a higher elevation than other points on the Drive, providing a new perspective of the Wissahickon Creek. Chill out along the Creek bed, under the Kitchens Lane Bridge or hop on the Drive and enjoy the embrace of the tree-lined trail’s hundred year old growth.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Choy